Community Collaboration

ECDC has adopted neighboring school, Brownell Elementary, to supply extra support and assistance to the students and families.

During August, when youth are out of school, daily meals are provided along with health initiatives for medical exams and immunizations, to date more than 150 youth and families have been serviced. Annually ECDC, provides Back to School supplies and coat drives making sure that the students have the tools to complete their work and proper attire to attend school.

Winter Wonderland is our annual gift giveaway to needy families at Christmas. Over 100 children and families are brought together to enjoy food, fun and fellowship through games, pictures with Santa and a host of activities.

ECDC was able to partner with Chicago Works to employ over 25 youth during the months of June- August 2013. This proved to be a positive impact as the youth were able to earn funds and an employment experience.

Throughout 2009-2018 it became prevalent that there was an increasing need for more structured activities for youth during summer months. ECDC, therefore, partnered with Chicago Public Schools to provide After School and summer programming through the Safe Haven Program. Over 1,000 students were offered tutoring, conflict resolution, anger management and anti-bullying. Creative Arts was also offered as part of the programming.

ECDC was a Lead Vendor with CPS from 2014-2018 in overseeing 135 Safe Haven sites, with a budget of over $2 million.  Each site serviced a minimum of 25 youth.

We are fortunate in being able to distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to 200 people annually along with meal prep kits to help feed the homeless. Our volunteers and youthwork together to provide hot meals, clothing and toiletries to women and children residing in various sheltersthroughout the city.  

We are grateful to annually show appreciation for the last 3 years to Love our City by projecting commitment to local businesses and service professionals by providing mealsand/or services as a way of showing appreciation for their involvement. Affiliated businesses are Calahan Funeral Home, Chicago Fire Department in Greater Grand Crossing, Brownell Elementary School and a local daycare.  

Our partnership with Rising Phoenix PLLC in providingmental health awareness and care to those in need through the RISE Program, which provides access to weekly Grief Support Groups, both virtual and in person, which is available to the public at no charge. RISE also suppliesannual training(s) on Trauma Informed Care to ensure that staff and volunteers are providing appropriate care to the most vulnerable members in our community. Rising Phoenix PLLC also supplies clinical referrals for individuals, couples and families who express the interest or need for services. In 2024, RISE plans to supply quarterly Mental Health and Wellness Workshops for the community that will be hosted at ECDC.

ECDC has a partnership with One Day at a Time, Inc. Through this partnership, ECDC has been able to host an annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk. Staff from One Day at a Time also provide information, marketing material, and referrals for those who may not recognize or needassistance with mammograms and wellness visits.